Worcester Magazine just published the newest article in the Soy de Worcester column: Vegan On The Cheap. Last week, I asked: Where can you get a good vegan meal in Worcester for under $5? There were a ton of comments on facebook. Thanks, everyone! After going through all the wonderful recommendations, this is the result. Definitely pick up a print copy, but since WoMag doens’t have the story online yet, here it is:

Vegan On the Cheap

Worcester is a city of deal-hunters and do-it-yourselfers. It’s called “The Spag’s Mentality” and it means that Worcesterites will come out in droves to get in on a good deal. The vegetarian population of Worcester is no different. There are a handful of stellar deals in Worcester vegan food scene. Here are 5 spots where you can get a good vegan meal for under five bucks:

The Pickle Barrel

Don’t want to pay $10 for a veggie burger? Don’t. At The Pickle Barrel on Pleasant Street, you can get a wicked good, Worcester-style veggie patty grinder and a bottomless cup of coffee for under five bucks. The grinder is a half-sub filled with a hearty vegetable patty, topped with onion, tomato, and greens. You can add spicy fries to your order, but it will take you a little over the $5 line. The down side? Excluding the usual side dishes, there is not much else in the way of vegan fare.

Veggie Corner

Veggie Corner is Worcester’s newest vegan restaurant. When Quan Yin closed it’s doors back in June, the folks at Veggie Corner decided to open up in its on Hamilton Street. Thankfully Veggie Corner has stuck to Quan Yin’s model: cheap and delicious vegan food. For $4.50 you can choose between one of five lunch specials, which include a mock-meat or tofu entrée, a soup, hot tea, and a side of white rice. They are not the largest portions, but it is certainly enough to leave you feeling satisfied. Take-out available.

Fantastic’s

Some people are surprised that this small pizza place on Main Street offers falafel, but their falafel is so amazing that I am surprised anyone would even bother with their pizza. (Maybe I would reconsider if they offered soy cheese.) With fresh-baked Syrian bread from Bay State Bakery on Water Street, Fantastic’s falafel is by far the best item on their menu. For $4.75 you’ll get a falafel wrap with crisp vegetables and creamy tahini. If you’re not the fried food type, try the baba ganoush or the homemade hummus. Both are under $5.

George’s Bakery

Located on Grafton Street, George’s Bakery is a Mediterranean market with plentiful options for the penny-pinching vegetarian. For $2 and some change you can get a star-shaped, golden-brown spinach pie. Get two for a quick lunch. Or get a spinach pie and an order of fresh hummus and to dip it in. They also have a tasty falafel sandwich for five dollars even.

Tortilla Sams

This American Tex-Mex joint on Highland Street is well-known for its veg selection. Worcester punk and hardcore bands like Four Year Strong and Bane have patronized the place for years. If you’re looking for the best deal, order off the take-out menu. The burritos-to-go are a dollar or so cheaper. The “unchicken” is the most impressive dish and price at under $4. The tofu buffalo wings are definitely their most well-known menu item, but don’t be surprised to find that they are nothing like buffalo wings. You can always stick to the basics with a simple black bean burrito. Beware of the “health-nut” burrito. It is exactly as appetizing as it sounds.

Big thanks to Flo, CJ, Marilyn, Dylan, Alex, Pat, Ashley, Jenna, Jesslyn, Allicia, Melissa, and Eileen! You guys rock!

So what do you think? Which is your favorite? Did I miss any big ones?